Fraud/ID Theft

At Reliant, we take your security and the security of your finances very seriously.

There are simple precautions that will keep your identity safe. We've provided information as a courtesy to assist you in protecting yourself from identity fraud and other criminal activities. Review the links and information on this page to learn how to protect your personal and financial information. We continually update this page as new scams, and information become available, so we encourage you visit this page often.

Suspicious Activity – First Steps

If you suspect suspicious activity on any Reliant account or have provided your Reliant account information to an unknown source, contact us immediately at 800-724-9282 during normal business hours.

If you suspect fraud with your Visa debit or credit card, contact us immediately at 800-724-9282 during normal business hours or reach us with the after-hours numbers.

If you suspect fraud related to ACH or wire transactions, contact us at 800-724-9282 immediately. There is a limited recovery window for these transactions and immediate escalation may assist us in preventing further loss.

Reliant will NEVER contact you by email, phone, or text message to ask you for your account number or other account information. We already have your account information and don’t need to call, text, or email to verify information. It is important that you never respond to phone calls, text messages, or emails that ask you to provide, validate, or update any account information.

When visiting Reliant's website (or accessing it from a link in an email or through an Internet search) you'll notice a "green bar" in the web browser address box at the top of your screen. This means that Reliant uses an Extended Validation SSL Certificate for added security. The green bar verifies that you are visiting Reliant's official website and that it is safe and secure.

Scams targeting seniors has reached epidemic levels. From the "grandparent scam" in which phony grandchildren call unsuspecting seniors with false horrific tales to bilk them of their money, to financial abuse committed by family members, many seniors today are at risk of financial exploitation. Become familiar with the the Top 10 Scams Targeting Seniorsas outlined by The National Council on Aging.

Credit /Debit Card Breaches – The Basics

Credit CardsWe strongly encourage you to monitor your account regularly and to call us immediately if you see any suspicious activity. You can be assured that Reliant uses a fraud detection service to regularly monitor the activity on your Reliant credit card accounts.

Visa Alerts are a great fraud detection tool available to Reliant Visa credit cardholders, adding another layer of protection.

EMV chip cards add another layer of security and is now available when you open a Reliant Visa credit card. A member who currently has a Reliant Visa credit card will be issued an EMV card prior to the expiration date on his current card. If a member with a non-EMV card wishes to receive an EMV card due to traveling outside the U.S., please contact us.

Debit CardsIf you have recently used your card at a retailer where a card data compromise has occurred, you may choose to change your PIN as an added safeguard, in addition to monitoring your account regularly.

If you have forgotten your PIN or would like to select a new one, call PIN NOW at 866-985-2273.

We recommend that you change your PIN periodically to better protect your account.

Ensure no one sees your PIN when you enter it. Memorize your PIN; don’t write it down anywhere—especially on your card—and never share it with anyone.

Register to receive text message alerts through Reliant’s online banking to help you manage your account activity. You will receive texts when your balance reaches a certain amount and when deposits and payments are made.*

Both Debit and Credit Cards

Always keep your credit and/or debit cards in a safe and secure place. Treat them as you would cash or checks.

Do not send your card number through email, as it is typically not secure.

Do not give out your card number over the phone unless you initiated the call.

Make sure any Internet purchase is secured with encryption to protect your account information.

Look for secure transaction symbols, such as a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of your web browser, or “https://…” in the address bar of the website. The “s” indicates "secure" and means the web page uses encryption.

And remember that in the event that fraud does occur, as a Visa cardholder you are protected with Visa's Zero Liability policy^, which means you pay nothing for unauthorized purchases on your account.

Passwords - A Critical Step in Account Security

Select strong passwords that are different for all of your important accounts. Use a randomized series of at least 8 characters that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Letters should contain a variety of upper and lower case.

Change your passwords regularly - every 60 to 90 days.

Don't use a password that includes your name, family names, workplace, SSN, DOB, address, etc.

If you need to write down your password in order to remember it, make sure you don't label it as your password, and keep it in a safe place.

Multi-Factor Authentication Further Protects Your Information

Reliant's online banking system features an additional layer of security to further protect your online banking account called multi-factor authentication. Here’s how it works.

When you initially login to online banking, you have the option to register your device as "private" so that when you log in going forward, online banking will recognize that you are logging in from your personal device.

You will then be prompted to choose either phone call, text, or email as a means of contacting you in the event you attempt to access your account from a device that you have not personally registered as private.

When you are logging in from any device that you did not personally register, you will see a screen that will inform you that you cannot log in until you enter an access code. Whatever method you choose to be contacted (phone call, text, or email), you will be notified within seconds with an access code that you must enter in order to access your account. If you do not enter the access code, both accurately and timely, you will not be able to access the account.

Protect Yourself on Your Mobile Device

Install an antivirus app on both your personal computer and your mobile device and keep it updated.

Read the permissions requested by every application before installing.

Perform regular backups of data stored in Android devices.

Protect devices with passwords.

Don't view or share personal information over a public wi-fi network.

Common/Recent Scams

Listed are some of the common scams that we are aware of. As a general rule, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Computer Repair/Problem Scam: Area residents are receiving calls where the caller informs you that there is a virus/problem with your computer. The caller explains that he can resolve the issue/fix your computer if you allow him access to your computer. The caller then requests that you give your credit/debit card number to pay for the service. This scam provides the caller with your credit card information along with data (including passwords) being stolen from your computer. If you receive such a call, we highly recommend that you do not provide any information or access and that you hang up immediately. If you provide your debit/credit card information and /or allow someone access to your computer, contact us immediately.

Telephone Scam - Recent - There is a phone scam that utilizes a slightly different variation of a financial institution’s actual phone number. (For example: 1-888… instead of 1-800… or one- digit off the correct phone number, such as xxx-xxx-xxx4 instead of xxx-xxx-xxx2) In most cases, it is a result of dialer error. Once the caller calls the bogus phone number, the caller is informed that they won something such as a gift card or a trip. To receive the prize, the caller is requested (either by a person or an automated system) to provide his debit/credit card information via their keypad.

Please note: To contact Reliant’s Member Service Call Center, always call 800-724-9282. Any digit changes when dialing to this number will not reach Reliant.

“Typical” Telephone Scams - From time to time, we are made aware of automated telephone calling systems that target area financial institutions. The calls and messages claim that the person must provide his/her credit or debit card number, PIN, and other confidential account information as a result of a problem or security breach with his/her card.

Secret/Mystery Shopping Scams - These scams have been reported via unsolicited emails or newspaper ads that claim you can earn a living as a secret or mystery shopper by dining at elegant restaurants, shopping at pricey stores, or checking into luxurious hotels. Legitimate programs may offer a small payment for giving feedback about the services they provide. Unlawful programs will ask you to pay an upfront fee, and in turn pay you in one large lump sum (i.e. $2,000 to $5,000) via a check—which will typically bounce, costing you additional money.

Lottery Scams - A lottery scam begins with an unexpected email notification that "You have won!" a large sum of money in a lottery. The recipient of the message — the target of the scam — is usually told to keep the notice secret, "due to a mix-up in some of the names and numbers," and to contact a "claims agent." After contacting the agent, the target of the scam will be asked to pay "processing fees" or "transfer charges" so that the winnings can be distributed, but will never receive any lottery payment.

*Please note that standard text messaging charges apply and that notification takes up to 24 hrs.^ Refer to your Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Disclosure Statement for further details on this policy.

“Unfortunately, all financial institutions battle fraud every day. We do things on a daily basis to react quickly and remain vigilant about protecting members and their information. Our members can be reassured that account security has always been, and remains our highest priority. Reliant continues to utilize state-of-the-art technology, increased risk management resources, and highly trained staff to ensure that member accounts are protected as fraud continues to rise.”

Pamela Heald, President & CEO

AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF A CYBER ATTACK THROUGH EMAIL PHISHING AND NON-REPUTABLE WEBSITES:

Be suspicious of emails from sources you do not know.

Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.

NEVER enter your password or personal data into a site or window you've arrived at by following a link in an email. Even if it's a trusted site, it's better to go directly to the site or typing the site's address directly into your browser.

Be suspicious if the message promises something that is "too good to be true."